Recap

A unique environment for a football game, as this one between these two teams was the second time they met on a baseball diamond. The crowd was a majority of Ohio State fans who were able to start the “O-H-I-O” chant during the end of the first half, and then again in the closing minutes of the game. One criticism was the broadcast options for this game, as the cover photo shows, there were a few moment where you saw a fans head or hands block the broadcast camera during the coverage, especially on Carnell Tate’s first touchdown in the corner of the endzone where he did a diving catch.

The defense was not strong at the start of the game, giving up nearly 160 yards against the Wildcats, which entered the game as the 131st best offense in the country, and should have not had as much success as they did. Northwestern’s plan to chew clock worked at the start, especially when there was not any scoring, but as most teams find out who try that strategy end up not having the time to come back to ty and score, taking their offensive game plan in a hurry-up mode. Ohio State did what they needed to do though, which was go in, beat Northwestern with comfort for the “eye-test” element, but ensure that no one gets hurt. There was a moment though where it did look like a Northwestern player was twisting at Smith’s ankle after a big catch, so maybe he takes it easy this week as much as you can to make sure he is as healthy as he can be for Indiana. The Buckeyes are now in a must win mode for the next two weeks to keep them in the Big Ten Championship game contention if they want any chance of a first round bye for the playoff. Will Howard was not asked to run much this game, but still made plays with his arm, and finished with 2 touchdowns and 247 yards passing. He had 9 incompletions, which against a better defense could have been turnovers, but he continues to show his leadership and command of this offense. Quinshon Judkins lead the game with 76 rushing yards on 15 carries, and had two touchdowns, both at the goal line to punch it in in the red zone. He also caught a pass for 8 yards. TreVeyon Henderson continues to be more versitle with rushing and receiving. He had 74 yards on 11 carries, and caught 2 balls for 18 yards. James Peoples did get a chance to get into the game, including a clinching run in the 4th quarter to finish the game, and had 26 yards on 4 carries. Jeremiah Smith had 4 catches for 100 yards, 68 of them coming from one catch, and was held without a touchdown for the second time this season. Carnell Tate was second on the team with 4 catches for 52 yards and 2 touchdowns. Day spoke after the game about how much he sees Tate’s leadership despite losing his mom before he enrolled at Ohio State, and the maturity he has brought every day. Emeka Egbuka has 2 catches for 19 yards to keep his catch streak alive.

Turning Point

Ohio State had just scored their first touchdown in the second quarter with a 12 play, 85 yard drive, and held Northwestern on their next possession. On the punt attempt, the ball was snapped wrong, and the Wildcat punter had to scramble back and didnt get his punt off until the was right in front of the end zone, which was blocked, and went out at the 1 yard line. The Buckeyes then scored to take the lead 14-7, and controlled the game after that point.

Stars of the Game

As always, we rank the top stars of the game, with each Buckeye leaf representing a reward (3 leaves it the 1st place earner)

Quinshon Judkins. Another solid outing for Judkins, and he was able to punch it in for the only two rushing touchdowns this game. He continue to show his power and speed against an overmatched Northwestern team.

Will Howard. Howard had another solid game, and was not involved in the run game, but still hit his receivers when the time called for it, but I am sure he would like to have a few throws back in this game.

Carnell Tate. The homecoming game for the Chicago native was as good as it could have been, and he caught both of Howards touchdown passes, as well as a critical catch between two defenders.

Playoff Picture

The Buckeyes won this week, and will host Indiana in a game that will help determine their post-season plans. Like the Penn State game, a win against the Hoosiers will give them a half game ahead, and will need to beat That Team Up North the following week to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. As of now, there shouldn’t be any changes in the rankings as Texas held on to beat Arkansas, so the Buckeyes should stay where they are at.

Looking Ahead

 Ohio State (9-1) will returns home, and will host undefeated Indiana (10-0) at Noon on FOX in their third top 6 game of the season.

Northwestern (4-6) will travel to play Michigan (5-4) at 3:30pm on FS1.

Photo Credit: BTN